Modi says Russia and India stand together even in difficult times

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s close ties with Russia during his meeting with President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China.

Welcomed by Putin as a “dear friend,” Modi said India and Russia have “always walked shoulder to shoulder, even in the most difficult situations.” The two leaders were later seen together inside Putin’s armoured Aurus limousine, underscoring their personal camaraderie.

Modi highlighted cooperation across trade, energy, space, security, and culture, stressing that the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between India and Russia remains a vital pillar of regional and global stability. He also reiterated support for peace efforts in Ukraine, following a recent conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Putin praised decades of trust and friendship between the two nations, calling it the foundation for future cooperation. Despite Western sanctions and U.S. tariffs, both India and China continue to be among Russia’s largest crude oil buyers, further deepening economic ties.